Nursing garment

ABSTRACT

A garment for the upper torso adapted to be worn for a woman while nursing comprises a front panel and a back panel of stretchable fabric which are sewn together at opposite side seams to form a generally tubular body portion. Left and right shoulder straps are respectively adjoined to the front and back panels. The front panel includes an front inner lining panel having a top edge, a lower edge, and left and right side edges wherein the top edge is stitched to the top edge of the front panel and the lower edge is unattached. A vertical slit having opposing left and right edges which extends downwardly from the top edge of the front panel to provide a generally V-shaped opening defining left and right flap portions. Left and right breast pads positioned to cover the breasts of the wearer are respectively attached to the left and right flap portions wherein the left and right breast pads are positioned between the front inner lining panel and the front panel. The breast pads have an absorbent inner surface and a leak proof outer surface. The slit has a length sufficient to extend at least below the breasts of the wearer, whereby the left and right flaps can be opened to respectively expose the left and right breasts of the wearer. The garment includes a means for fastening the opposing left and right edges of the vertical slit to permit selective opening and closing of said vertical slit.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to the field of clothing articles, and more particularly to a garment designed to be worn by a woman while nursing an infant.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Women who choose to breast feed an infant can have a difficult time finding appropriate clothing to suit their particular needs and lifestyle. A first consideration is the need to manipulate the clothing to provide access to the breast. To this end, nursing garments often include hidden openings over the breasts. Also, it is desirable that the clothing be comfortable and attractive.

[0003] A further consideration is the problem of breast leakage, since a nursing woman may frequently express milk from her nipples when not nursing. Also, leakage can occur from the opposite breast during nursing. In order to prevent wet, stained clothing, an absorbent material such as breast pads must be worn. Breast pads are often worn by inserting the pads into a nursing bra with removable cups.

[0004] The prior art discloses a number of garment which have flap-like openings or slits for exposing the breast, such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,004,294, 4,031,566, 3,176,692, 3,423,761, and 778,014. These prior art garments, however, are not constructed to readily accommodate the wearing of breast pads or other absorbent materials. When a nursing bra with breast pads is worn, the above-noted prior art garments provide few advantages because while the flap arrangement may permit quick access to the breast, it is still necessary to open the breast cup of the nursing bra and to remove the nursing pad before feeding can commence.

[0005] Leakage commonly occurs while sleeping, and most women solve this problem by wearing a nursing bra with removable nursing pads under sleepwear. This can be restrictive and uncomfortable. It would therefore be desirable to provide a comfortable garment with sufficient absorbency for breast leakage which can be worn by a nursing woman while sleeping. Witczak, U.S. Pat. No. 5,461,725, discloses a nightgown-type garment which has a bodice with stretchable straps which are sufficiently resilient to enable a woman to pull down the bodice to expose a breast for nursing. The inner surface of the bodice includes mated snaps so that breast pads can be inserted. The Witczak garment is designed to be worn while sleeping, however the garment is not intended to be worn in any other setting, since a woman may feel that it is inappropriate, for example, to wear the Witczak garment in front of guests in the home.

[0006] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art garments, it would be highly desirable to provide a garment to be worn while nursing which is attractive, comfortable and presentable for semi-public wear, and which does not require a nursing bra, and which also provides rapid and easy access to the breasts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] It is an objective of the invention to provide a nursing garment which is comfortable, attractive in appearance and which is considered sufficiently “presentable” for semi-public wear.

[0008] It is another objective to provide a nursing garment with sewn-in breast pads having leak proof outer surfaces, thus making it unnecessary to wear a nursing bra with removable breast pads.

[0009] It is still another objective to provide a nursing garment which has the allows the breast to be easily and readily exposed for nursing.

[0010] It is a further objective of the invention to provide a nursing garment which is suitable for use as sleepwear or loungewear, and which has an attractive appearance which disguises the functionality of the garment.

[0011] In accordance with the above objectives, a garment for the upper torso adapted to be worn for a woman while nursing is provided which comprises a front panel and a back panel of stretchable fabric which are sewn together at opposite side seams to form a generally tubular body portion. Left and right shoulder straps are respectively adjoined to the front and back panels. The front panel includes an front inner lining panel having a top edge, a lower edge, and left and right side edges wherein the top edge is stitched to the top edge of the front panel and the lower edge is unattached. A vertical slit having opposing left and right edges which extends downwardly from the top edge of the front panel to provide a generally V-shaped opening defining left and right flap portions. Left and right breast pads positioned to cover the breasts of the wearer are respectively attached to the left and right flap portions wherein the left and right breast pads are positioned between the front inner lining panel and the front panel. The outer surfaces of the breast pads are leak-proof. The slit has a length sufficient to extend at least below the breasts of the wearer, whereby the left and right flaps can be opened to respectively expose the left and right breasts of the wearer. The front panel and the front inner lining panel can be stitched together along the opposing left and right edges to provide a finished edge. In an alternative construction, a placket having overlapping left and right portions is attached to the left and right edges of the slit. The garment includes a means for fastening the opposing left and right edges of the vertical slit to permit selective opening and closing of said vertical slit. The fastening means can include a plurality of mated snaps or mated portions of hook and loop fastening material.

[0012] The front inner lining panel has a length sufficient for the free lower edge to extend to a point at least below the breasts of the wearer, and preferably includes an elastic band affixed to the lower edge. The left and right edges of the front inner lining panel can be respectively stitched to the opposing side seams of said body portion. In an alternative embodiment, the back panel includes a back inner lining panel having a top edge, a lower edge, and left and right side edges, wherein the top edge of the back inner lining panel is sewn to said top edge of the back panel, and the left and right side edges are respectively stitched to the left and right side edges of the front inner lining panel to form a tubular inner lining with an unattached lower end.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0013]FIG. 1A is a front view of a nursing garment according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, in which the front inner lining panel, elastic band, and left and right breast pads are shown in phantom.

[0014]FIG. 1B is a rear view of the nursing garment of FIG. 1A in which the back inner lining panel and elastic band are shown in phantom.

[0015]FIG. 2 illustrates the garment of FIG. 1 as worn by a nursing mother in which the right strap has been downwardly distended to accommodate breast feeding.

[0016]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the garment of FIG. 1 which illustrates the construction of the inner lining panel.

[0017]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 4-4′ of FIG. 1 which illustrates the placement of the breast pad.

[0018]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 4-4′ of FIG. 1 showing an alternative construction.

[0019]FIG. 6 illustrates the use of hook and loop fastening material to fasten the front vertical slit in the garment of FIG. 1.

[0020]FIG. 7 is an alternative embodiment of the garment of the invention which includes a placket adjoined to the front vertical slit.

[0021]FIG. 8 is an alternative embodiment of the garment of the invention in which the main body portion is dress-length.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Although the invention will be described in terms of a specific embodiment, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in this art that various modifications, rearrangements, and substitutions can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims appended hereto.

[0023]FIGS. 1A and 1B respectively illustrate front view and rear views of the garment 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The garment 10 is worn on the upper torso, and can be in the form of a shirt (as illustrated) or can have any desired length so that the garment 10 can be worn as a dress or gown. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the construction of the garment 10 allows a nursing mother to quickly and easily expose a breast for nursing an infant by distending one side of the garment 10. In addition to this practical aspect of the garment 10, it is an objective of the present invention that the garment 10 be comfortable as well as attractive and presentable so that the garment 10 can be worn both as sleepwear and everyday clothing. The garment 10 is suitable for semi-public wear so that a nursing mother would not necessarily have to change clothing or cover up when leaving the home or receiving visitors, for example.

[0024] The fabric from which the garment 10 is constructed is preferably a cotton-based knit interlock material having a high resilience but which retains its shape when stretched. A preferred blend which has been found to provide the desired stretchability properties is a 95% cotton and 5% Spandex® blend.

[0025] Referring again to FIGS. 1A and 1B, it is seen that the garment 10 has a front panel 10 and a back panel 14 which are stitched together at opposing side seams 17, 18 to create a generally tubular body portion 16. The front panel 12 and back panel 14 respectively include top edges 13 and 15. Left and right shoulder straps 17 and 18 are adjoined to the top edges 13 and 15. The straps 13 and 15 can be formed as separate portions of fabric which are sewn to the front and back panels 12 and 14, or can be integral with either or both of the front and back panels 12 and 14. A front inner lining panel 31 (FIG. 1A) having a top edge 32, a lower edge 33, and left and right side edges 34, 35 is sewn to the top edge 13, and preferably has a length such that the lower edge 33 extends to a point just below the breasts of the wearer. In the preferred embodiment, the lower edge 33 of the front inner lining panel 31 includes an elastic band 36. The left and right edges 22, 23 are attached to the garment 10 such that the elastic band 37 remains relatively taut and is positioned under the breasts of the wearer when the garment 10 is worn to prevent the lining from “riding up.” In one embodiment, he left and right side edges 22, 23 can be attached to the opposing side seams 17, 18 of the garment. In a preferred embodiment, the garment 10 can also include a back inner lining panel 41(FIG. 1B) which is preferably equal in length to front inner lining panel 31 and is sewn to top edge 15 of the back panel 14. The back inner lining panel 31 a lower edge 33 and left and right edges 44,45. As is best seen in FIG. 3, the left and right edges 34, 35 can be sewn to left and right edges 44, 45 to create a generally tubular lining for the garment 10. The lower edge 43 of back inner lining panel 41 can include an elastic band 46.

[0026] A vertical slit 21 extends downwardly from the center of top edge 13 of the front panel 12 to a point at least below the breasts of the wearer to provide a generally V-shaped opening. The vertical slit 21 defines left and right flap portions 24, 25 which can be opened to expose the breasts of the wearer. Left and right breast pads 27, 28 are respectively encased within the left and right flaps 24, 25. As seen in FIG. 4, the breast pads 27, 28 can be sewn to the top edges 13 and 32 of the front panel 12 and front inner lining panel 31. The left and right breast pads 27, 28 have an absorbent inner surface and a leak-proof outer surface. In another mode of construction shown in FIG. 5, the breast pads 27, 28 can be attached to the front inner lining panel 31. In accordance with the principles of the invention, the breast pads 27, 28 are not attached to the front panel 13 in order to provide a smooth appearance for the garment so that the presence of the breast pads 27, 28 is not obvious.

[0027] The front panel 12 and the front inner lining panel 31 are stitched together along the left and right edges 22,23 of the vertical slit 21 to provide a finished outer edge. It is preferable that one of the left and right edges 22, 23 overlaps the other so that the garment 10 can include a means for fastening the left and right edges 22,23 of the vertical slit 21 to permit selective opening of the vertical slit 21. Any suitable fastening means may be used, however it is preferable that the fastening means be one that can be quickly and easily disengaged so that nursing can be performed conveniently. In a preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, a plurality of mated snaps sets 48 can be affixed to the left and right edges 22,23. In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the fastening means can comprise mated portions of hook and loop fastening material 49 a and 49 b attached to the garment 10 proximate the left and right edges 22,23. The garment 10 can also utilize buttons and corresponding button holes to fasten the vertical slit 21.

[0028] In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 7, a placket 30 having overlapping left and right side portions 38, 39 can be attached to the vertical slit 21. The placket 30 can include an of the fastening systems discussed above. As shown, a plurality of mated snap sets can be attached to left and right side portions 38, 39. It is preferable that the lower snap 57 is permanently fixed togther for esthetic effect.

[0029] As stated previously, the garment 10 of the present invention can be shirt-length, or can be dress-length, as illustrated as the garment 80 in FIG. 8. In a preferred embodiment, the shirt-length garment 10 can be paired with shorts or slacks of an identical fabric, which preferably include elasticized waist-bands for comfortable post-pregnancy wear.

[0030] To nurse an infant while wearing the garment 10, the mother unfastens the vertical slit 21, and pulls down one of the left or right strips 19, 20 on the shoulder until one of the left or right flaps 24,25 exposes the desired breast, at which point breast-feeding can be initiated. The present invention provides a nursing mother with the convenience of simply changing and laundering the entire garment, thus freeing her from the more cumbersome task of removing and replacing individual breast pads from a nursing bra.

[0031] It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement of parts herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and drawings. 

I claim:
 1. A garment for the upper torso adapted to be worn for a woman while nursing, comprising: a front panel and a back panel of stretchable fabric; said front and back panel sewn together at opposite side seams to form a generally tubular body portion, said front panel and said back panel each having a top edge, said front panel including a front inner lining panel having a top edge, a lower edge, and left and right side edges wherein said top edge is stitched to said top edge of said front panel and said lower edge is unattached; said front panel having a vertical slit having opposing left and right edges wherein said front panel and said front inner lining panel are stitched together along said opposing left and right edges; said vertical slit extending downwardly from said top edge to provide a generally V-shaped opening defining left and right flap portions; said slit having a length sufficient to extend at least below the breasts of the wearer wherein said left and right flaps can be opened to respectively expose the left and right breasts of the wearer; left and right shoulder straps respectively adjoined to said front and back panels; means for fastening said opposing left and right edges of said vertical slit to permit selective opening and closing of said vertical slit; and left and right breast pads positioned to cover the breasts of the wearer respectively attached to said left and right flap portions wherein said left and right breast pads are positioned between said front inner lining panel and said front panel.
 2. The garment of claim 1, said inner lining panel has a length sufficient for said lower edge to extend to a point at least below the breasts of the wearer.
 3. The garment of claim 2, further comprising an elastic band affixed to said lower edge of said inner lining panel.
 4. The garment of claim 1, wherein said fastening means comprises at least one pair of mated snaps attached to said opposing edges of said vertical slit.
 5. The garment of claim 1, wherein said fastening means comprises mated portions of hook and loop fastening material attached to said opposing edges of said vertical slit.
 6. The garment of claim 1, wherein said left and right breast pads have an absorbent inner surface and a leak proof outer surface.
 7. The garment of claim 1, wherein said left and right edges of said inner lining panel are respectively stitched to said opposing side seams of said body portion.
 8. The garment of claim 1, wherein said back panel includes a back inner lining panel having a top edge, a lower edge, and left and right side edges, wherein said top edge is sewn to said top edge of said back panel and said left and right side edges are respectively stitched to said left and right side edges of said front inner lining panel.
 9. The garment of claim 7, further comprising an elastic band affixed to said lower edge of said back inner lining panel.
 10. A garment for the upper torso adapted to be worn for a woman while nursing, comprising: a front panel and a back panel of stretchable fabric; said front and back panel sewn together at opposite side seams to form a generally tubular body portion, said front panel and said back panel each having a top edge, said front panel including an inner lining panel having a top edge, a lower edge, and left and right side edges wherein said top edge is stitched to said top edge of said front panel and said lower edge is unattached; said front panel having a vertical slit having opposing left and right edges; said vertical slit extending downwardly from said top edge to provide a generally V-shaped opening defining left and right flap portions; said slit having a length sufficient to extend at least below the breasts of the wearer wherein said left and right flaps can be opened to respectively expose the left and right breasts of the wearer; left and right shoulder straps respectively adjoined to said front and back panels; a placket stitched to said opposing left and right edges of said vertical slit, said placket having overlapping left and right side portions; means for fastening said overlapping left and right side portions to one another; and left and right breast pads positioned to cover the breasts of the wearer respectively attached to said left and right flap portions wherein said left and right breast pads are positioned between said inner lining panel and said front panel.
 11. The garment of claim 10, wherein said left and right breast pads have an absorbent inner surface and a leak proof outer surface.
 12. The garment of claim 10, wherein said inner lining panel has a length sufficient for said lower edge to extend to a point at least below the breasts of the wearer.
 13. The garment of claim 11, further comprising an elastic band affixed to said lower edge of said inner lining panel.
 14. The garment of claim 10, wherein said means for fastening comprises at least one pair of mated snaps attached to said overlapping left and right side portions of said placket.
 15. The garment of claim 10, wherein said fastening means comprises mated portions of hook and loop fastening material attached to said overlapping left and right side portions of said placket.
 16. The garment of claim 10, wherein said left and right edges of said inner lining panel are respectively stitched to said opposing side seams of said body portion.
 17. The garment of claim 10, wherein said back panel includes an inner lining panel having a top edge, a lower edge, and left and right side edges, wherein said top edge is sewn to said top edge of said back panel and said left and right side edges are respectively stitched to said left and right side edges of said inner lining panel of said front panel.
 18. The garment of claim 17, further comprising an elastic band affixed to said lower edge of said inner lining panel. 